Whether it’s in-depth story-telling for one or two family members, or targeted story-catching from a wider group of relations, a Family Chronicle records collective memories before they vanish, and turns them into heirlooms to hold on to.
A Family Chronicle is usually written for a small, known audience, whether that is your immediate family, future descendants, wider family branches, or family friends.
Family History Chronicles
Chronicling the past, in the present, for the future.
These Chronicles are autobiographical in nature – I hold the pen, but you’re in charge. They are long-form and interview-based, which means sitting down with you over a number of hours to coach you through sharing your memories, experiences, crossroads and life lessons, and photographs. I do most of the heavy lifting – taking notes, transcribing interviews, helping to select images, creating a book structure and writing your story for you to edit and approve.
You can also record a more contained story such as overseas travel or building a house. What about your baby’s first year? This is such a special time for parents and extended family, however, apart from digital photos and videos the details of this phase of life are frequently lost.
I also design your Chronicle, matching text and images in a way that makes reading a pleasure, even if younger family members can only look at the pictures.
Five Reasons You’ll Treasure Your Family History:
1 A Family History Chronicle captures voices, experiences and details that might otherwise be forgotten over time. In particular, it contains traditions, values and lessons unique to your family.
2 A Chronicle can strengthen connections within your family for decades to come, helping generations understand each other through this enduring keepsake.
3 A Chronicle acknowledges the achievements, struggles and legacies that have shaped your family.
4 A Chronicle is like a family photo album on steroids – a full narrative sits beside all the old photographs so your descendants will never be left wondering.
5 Finally, writing is hard, and people often don’t know where to start. Working with a professional ensures the right questions are explored and your stories are told in the most engaging ways.
Family Celebration Chronicles
Chronicling significant family occasions as enduring keepsakes.
These Chronicles are shorter, punchier, and rely on quick ‘story-catching’ interviews. We record interesting quotes, short tributes and the atmosphere of the day, and draw on visual story-telling to honour your special occasion.
You can create a Chronicle for any significant milestone, including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions.
Five Reasons You’ll be Thrilled You Have a Celebration Chronicle:
1 A Chronicle captures voices, details and experiences from a celebration that would otherwise be forgotten over time.
2 A Chronicle is a great way to honour a family member for a significant birthday, or maybe your parents on their wedding anniversary.
3 A Chronicle is a meaningful memento of a significant celebration or milestone that can be passed from hand to hand for decades to come.
4 Younger family members may not discover an interest in their family history, such as their parents’ wedding, for example, until later in life when Mum and Dad may no longer be around to ask or the details have become hazy. A Chronicle anchors memories in one place for when the younglings are ready.
5 Finally, you want to focus on enjoying your celebration … leave this job to someone else.
Chronicling Lives … Connecting Generations